Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
Bles has held leadership roles in the international dairy farming industry for more than 30 years, in dairy cattle, genetics and dairy development. He has also established his own businesses, Bles Dairies Livestock BV; Bles Dairies Genetics / Eurostar Genes; and dairy development company The Friesian.
He also holds an advisory position with Semex Global and is a board member for the Dutch Cattle Association.
Bles' appointment starts on April 14, for an initial six month period, with a global search underway for a permanent appointment.
This follows Fonterra's decision that the large scale farming operations of International Farming Ventures will become a standalone unit with full financial and operational accountability, reporting to the chief executive, Theo Spierings.
